Bohemia Historical Society
2025 Meetings
December 14, 2025
Holiday Celebration
Featuring the Connetquot High School Brass Band
We rang in the season at our annual Holiday Celebration. We were delighted to welcome a group of talented local students from the Connetquot High School Brass Band, who presented a special musical concert for our members. It was a festive afternoon of community, conversation, and holiday cheer. Refreshments were served, and this was our last meeting of the year.
November 16, 2025 • Guest Speaker
Storms, Shipwrecks, Lifesavers & Lightkeepers
The History of the Fire Island Lighthouse — presented by Angela Reich
The BHS recently had the pleasure of hosting Angela Reich from the Fire Island Lighthouse for a fascinating presentation on our region’s maritime past. Angela provided a deep dive into the history of the Fire Island Lighthouse and the treacherous waters that once challenged sailors approaching New York Harbor.
During the lecture, Angela discussed the inspiration behind her novel, Shipwreck of Hopes, which centers on the tragic 1850 wreck of the ship Elizabeth. She detailed how this pivotal historical event helped shape the early Life Saving Service. It was a moving tribute to the courageous local residents who patrolled our shores and safeguarded maritime traffic along the nation’s busiest shipping lanes.
We would like to thank Angela for sharing her expertise and bringing this critical piece of local history to life for our members.
October 19, 2025 • Guest Speaker
How to Research Your Home’s History
Presented by George Munkenbeck, Islip Town Historian
George Munkenbeck, Islip Town Historian, shared his vast knowledge and expertise about researching home and property records in Islip town. Just as families have a story to tell and cherish, homes and other buildings do also. We learned about where the records on buildings and structures are kept, the availability of these records, and ways to access them.
George certainly did his own research on Bohemia! He wowed the crowd with his recently built replica of one of our own cigar factories. Many thanks, George, for an awesome presentation!
September 21, 2025 • Guest Speaker
Emergency Preparedness
Suffolk County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
At our September meeting, we received a vital presentation from the Suffolk County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Danielle explained how the CERT program trains volunteers to handle local hazards and assist in crisis situations. She detailed the curriculum, which includes fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. By utilizing a standardized nationwide approach, CERT volunteers are able to support professional responders, allowing them to focus on complex tasks during major emergencies.
June 22, 2025
Scholarship Award Celebration
Honoring Christie Clark and Emma Zinkowsi
Our June meeting was a true celebration as we honored our scholarship award winners, Christie Clark and Emma Zinkowsi. We were thoroughly impressed when they read their winning essays aloud; the quality of their work made it immediately clear why the judges awarded a tie this year! Following the presentations, members enjoyed a lovely lunch and great conversation.
May 18, 2025 • Guest Speaker
Stroll in the Piazza: Italian Music Collection
Presented by Dr. David Podles
At our May meeting, we were delighted to welcome back Dr. David Podles for a musical journey through Italy. He entertained the audience with a diverse repertoire, ranging from the classical beauty of Vivaldi and Paganini to lively traditional tarantellas and mazurkas. The performance also celebrated the immigrant experience with Italian-American favorites, alongside timeless opera classics by Rossini and Puccini.
April 27, 2025 • Guest Speaker
Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center
Presented by Lauren Vlachos, Executive Director
Lauren Vlachos, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center (ADRC), delivered an insightful presentation on the complexities of memory loss. She educated our members on the different types of dementia and their early warning signs, while providing a comprehensive overview of the support resources available to Long Island families. She also outlined the ADRC’s mission and how the community can get involved.
